I am senior and will be graduating in May and I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do around the Manhattan area.. As I reflect on my time at K-State, I wanted to share with others things that I enjoyed doing.

1. Go explore the natural scenery. Manhattan is in the heart of the flint hills, get out and go exploring! Walking the Konza or going to Pillsbury Crossing is always a great choice. But there is a neat waterfall at Geary County State Fishing lake, but go after it has rained so there is actually water in the waterfall. You can rent canoes or kayaks and float on the Kansas River, Konza Kayak is a great place to rent from. Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake is another great lake where you can go fishing and hang out. We even had a retreat out there for Sigma Alpha. Tuttle Creek lake or Milford lake are larger lakes that have rentals on the water as well.

2. Some indoor activities in the area that I have enjoyed are bowling, playing pool, shooting darts, crafting, movie marathon, baking and/or cooking. Union Program Council always has events going on for students that are cheap, if not free.

3. Volunteering is also another great thing and is a way to give back to the community. Big Brother Big Sisters has been one of the places that I have volunteered at that I really enjoyed. I know there are several different places or events around the Manhattan area to volunteer for.

4. Be adventurous and explore the small towns outside Manhattan. Go eat at restaurants not in Manhattan and get to know the part of the country you are living in! Talk to the locals, you can learn a lot from them. Get some friends, pile in your car, and take off; for it is those days and memories that you will remember. A group of friends and I took a day trip to Lindsborg, KS, a small Swedish town. I had a blast walking the main street, going in the shops, talking with the locals and learning the history of the town.

No matter what you decide to do, make sure you are having fun doing it! Get a group of friends together and go have fun, you are only in college once. A quote I once heard said “We do not remember days, but we remember moments.” Take advantage of the time you have while in college to make memories. When you look back on your life you don’t want to have regrets.